D.A. Candidate Challenges Incumbent on Use of Tax Dollars For Campaign

LAKE CHARLES, La. - Oct. 1, 2014 - PRLog -- Calcasieu Parish District Attorney candidate Christian Chesson today sent two Freedom of Information Act requests to the D.A.’s Office, demanding access to records of how many taxpayer dollars incumbent John DeRosier is spending on billboards and television commercials.

         In recent months, billboards have appeared at several locations throughout the Parish and television commercials have been circulating on television and online that ostensibly promote the D.A.’s Office.  But none has a “paid for by” line as required by law for campaign expenditures, which suggests DeRosier is using public funds to plaster his face around the parish, increasing his name recognition ahead of the Nov. 4 election.

         “If John DeRosier’s campaign is paying for these ads, they’re illegal because they don’t say so,” said James Hartman, a consultant for the Chesson Campaign.  “If the D.A.’s Office is paying for them, it’s a misuse of taxpayer dollars for political gain.  At best, they’re inappropriate; at worst, they’re illegal.”

         An independent news source submitted FOIA requests for the some information weeks ago, but received no response.  Today, Chesson submitted them again under his law firm’s imprimatur.  DeRosier now has until Monday to produce the information requested.

         “Things like this are exactly why I’m running for D.A.,” Chesson said.  “The incumbent’s blatant and flagrant use of his office for personal and political gain – and for the benefit of his friends to the detriment of our citizens – cannot be allowed to continue.  The people of Calcasieu are ready for a change and they deserve better than this.”